June 3, 2011
 

Chinese beef imports increase

 

 

Chinese beef imports have been increasing since mid 2010, with total volumes during January-April 2011 rising 16% in contrast to the same period last year, at 5,210 tonnes swt.

 

A 41% jump in imports from Australia, to 1,748 tonnes swt, and a 25% increase in shipments from Uruguay, to 2,436 tonnes swt, contributed to the growth during the four months to April, while volumes from New Zealand fell 27%, to 725 tonnes swt.

 

Uruguay dominated beef imports into China during this period, with a 47% market share, followed by Australia (34%), New Zealand (14%) and Brazil (6%). Meanwhile, a protocol has yet to be developed to import US beef into China. 

 

While Chinese demand has continued to be strong and contributed to the surge in imports of Australian and Uruguayan beef, the fall in volumes from New Zealand was mainly due to reduced supply available for export. Demand for imported beef in China is expected to remain strong, as increased consumption continues to outweigh growth in local production.

 

During the first four months of 2011, Australia was the only supplier of chilled beef into China.

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